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Russia's deputy prime minister, has warned that Europe is weaker because of Britain's decision to vote in favour of Brexit.

Arkady Dvorkovich, who oversees Russia's economic policy, said that "the whole process... creates uncertainties" and insisted that Russia would have preferred Europe to remain stronger.

"The British decision to leave Europe made Europe a little bit weaker at this point. The whole process of getting away from Europe is a difficult one and creates more uncertainties," Mr Dvorkovich told BBC's Newsnight.

"For Russia, it is important that Europe is strong, we don't need weak partners. We need strong partners to go forward and provide for better future for Russian and Euopean peoples.

"Strong politics makes Europe really big player in the international landscape and individual countries cannot affect international politics in the same way that a united Europe can do."

"That's just not true. First, we do not have any particular opinion whether UK should stay in Europe or leave it. It's a sovereign affair of the United Kingdom, and the rest of Europe, Russia is not a player in this game," he said.

"Secondly, sanctions are not because of British politics, mostly it's the influence of the United States, and overall attitude of European governments towards events around Ukraine and in Ukraine. We believe it's the wrong attitude."

Mr Cameron said in May that he thought the Russian president "would be happy" if Brexit happened and the EU was weakened. Mr Putin strongly denied that he favoured Brexit.

Last month, the Kremlin said Mr Putin and Mrs May agreed to develop a dialogue between security agencies on issues related to aviation security, and made plans for a face-to-face meeting in the "near future".